About the Ashford Access Group
Ashford Access Group was first discussed in 1995/6 and really started working in early 1997. The group, or forum, was formed to represent disabled people in trying to obtain better access - on our highways and footpaths as well as entering buildings and moving around within them.
We are in consultation with Ashford Borough Council and have already proved that by working with them we can improve existing access and also ensure that new developments are 'disabled friendly'. The Group is the only one recognised and approved by the Council to advise it on matters of disabled access.
In collaboration with Ashford's Highways Management Unit, we have already established new flush kerb routes to enable wheelchair and electric powered scooter users to have easier routes when going about their business. Tactile paving has been installed where we considered it necessary - to give disabled persons with vision impairments safer crossing points at pedestrian controlled crossings.
Our Planning & Consultation Committee meets twice monthly to advise the Planning Department on whether planning applications need revising to provide better access for disabled and, where necessary, comment on parking facilities and the provisions of disabled toilets, ramped or level access and the fitting of handrails for stairway/steps. The other points we look for are too many to list here.
What we do relies on teamwork and co-operation with Council departments and this has been willingly given.
The two main ways that the Group works to achieve its aims of 'Access for All' are through the work of the Planning and Consultation Sub-committee, with Mrs Susan Mansfield in the Chair, and via calls for help/advice received on the Helpline - 01233 335592.
The Planning and Consultation Sub-committee meets twice each month in the Planning Department at the Civic Centre, and scrutinises planning applications submitted to the Building Control Section, for compliance with both Part M Building Regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA95). Any problems found are brought to the notice of Building Control, who advise the architect for corrections to plans. This committee comprises the Chair, a volunteer self-employed surveyor and a member from Building Control, who advises on technical details.
Helpline calls, whilst usually referring to problems experienced by the disabled on the Highways and the built environment, can also be for advice on wide-ranging subjects, including that for medical professionals, to help them with their studies, and/or work, mostly regarding the actual work carried out by the volunteers on the Committee.
The Chairman has also been active in helping other Access Groups to be formed, namely the Crewkerne and Ilminster (Somerset) Access Group, the Medway (Kent) Access Group and a Canterbury Access Group.